"Maybe consider hurricane straps or clips too?"
Good call on the hurricane straps—installed them myself last year and they're pretty straightforward. But what about windows? Ever tried DIY storm shutters or film? Windows can be sneaky weak points too...
Hurricane straps are definitely a solid start, and good point about windows being overlooked. A few years back, I helped a neighbor install DIY plywood shutters before a big storm. They worked decently, but honestly, the setup and takedown was a hassle. Since then, I've switched to polycarbonate panels—lightweight, easier to handle, and pretty tough. Film can help with glass shattering, but won't prevent the window frame from failing under pressure...something to keep in mind.
Polycarbonate panels are definitely convenient, I'll give you that. But honestly, I've found they can get pretty pricey, especially if you're covering a lot of windows or larger openings. For folks on a tighter budget or who don't mind a bit of DIY elbow grease, plywood might still be worth the hassle—provided it's done right.
Here's how I'd approach plywood shutters to make the setup less painful:
1. **Measure and cut ahead of time:** Don't wait till the storm's knocking at your door. Buy your plywood early, measure each window precisely, and label each piece clearly (e.g., "Living Room Left," "Kitchen Center," etc.). Trust me, scrambling around in bad weather with poorly labeled boards is a nightmare.
2. **Pre-drill holes:** Once you've got your plywood cut and labeled, pre-drill mounting holes into both the plywood and window frames (or masonry anchors if needed). This saves a ton of time and frustration when you're actually installing them.
3. **Use proper fasteners:** Skip nails or basic screws—they'll fail under pressure. Go for corrosion-resistant lag bolts or heavy-duty screws with washers to distribute force evenly.
4. **Storage solution:** Stack plywood flat in a dry place, off the ground if possible. Moisture warps wood quickly, making installation even tougher next time around.
I totally agree with you on window film—it won't do much if the frame itself gives way under pressure. But here's something else to consider: reinforcing the frames themselves. You can add metal brackets or braces to strengthen weak points around your windows before hurricane season hits. It's not foolproof, but it helps reduce the risk of total frame failure.
I guess my point is there's no single perfect solution here—your choice depends heavily on budget, convenience, and how often you realistically expect to deal with severe storms. Polycarbonate panels are great if you can afford them and want convenience, but plywood done right isn't as bad as people think...just takes some prep work ahead of time.
"plywood done right isn't as bad as people think...just takes some prep work ahead of time."
Fair point, but honestly, plywood's weight and bulkiness can be a real pain, especially if you're installing solo. Corrugated metal panels are lighter, affordable, and hold up well—might be worth considering too.
Good point about corrugated metal—it's definitely easier to handle solo. But keep in mind, metal can get pretty noisy during heavy rain or hail. Adding a layer of insulation or soundproofing underneath can help a lot...speaking from experience here, haha.
